Serving America through critical defense technologies
Defense technology and innovation
America's national security depends on maintaining its technical edge in areas like microelectronics, AI and cybersecurity — and ASU serves that imperative through research, innovation and training in critical defense technologies to protect our armed forces and defend against emerging threats.
ASU’s approach to research and education is carried out in close collaboration with defense industry partners, government agencies and other academic institutions. Drawing on a large network of faculty and dedicated capabilities for rapid contracting of classified research, ASU accelerates the transition from lab discovery to operational capability, ensuring that breakthrough ideas reach military personnel in the field when and where they're needed most.
200+
Faculty experts implementing defense contracts
$55 million
Department of War-sponsored project expenditures
6x
Increase in Department of War research expenditures over 20 years
81%
Increase in Department of War-sponsored project expenditures over six years
#1
DARPA young faculty awards since 2014
Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute: a national leader in defense technology
The Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute (ACNSI) serves the Department of War and U.S. government by developing mission-critical technologies that support national security imperatives. Coordinating defense innovation capabilities across the university, The Institute produces tools, technologies and programs in partnership with DoW and defense industry leaders—translating research into practical applications that address real operational needs.
Experts at ACNSI also advise defense stakeholders on research, technology and policy. Executive Director Nadya Bliss chairs DARPA's Information Science and Technology Study Group, helping to inform DARPA of technological trends that shape future research and development priorities.
The Institute’s research and education include:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering: a national hub for defense education and innovation
As the largest engineering college in the nation, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is producing the next generation of high-tech talent and developing the technology to keep America safe. The eight distinct Fulton Schools offer more than 75 degree programs, bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines to solve complex problems in areas critical to national defense and security. As a long-standing partner to the Department of War and defense industries, the Fulton Schools advance capabilities in microelectronics, autonomous systems, energy resilience, cybersecurity and emerging technologies that preserve America’s security.
32,700
Engineering students enrolled (2024–25)
7,450
Degrees conferred (2024–25)
590
Faculty members
SWAP Hub
Advancing defense-critical microelectronics innovation
Led by Arizona State University, the Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub is one of eight regional innovation hubs established under the Department of War's Microelectronics Commons — a national strategic initiative to advance the development and production of microelectronics technologies critical to U.S. security and defense.
Awarded to ASU by the DoW, the SWAP Hub brings together more than 200 partners to accelerate the transition from laboratory research to fabrication and production. By connecting top semiconductor manufacturers, defense firms, national laboratories, leading academic institutions and innovative startups, the hub creates pathways that turn breakthrough ideas into working technology.
The SWAP Hub also builds the microelectronics workforce of the future through curriculum development, hands-on learning opportunities and clear job pathways — ensuring America has the skilled talent needed to maintain technological leadership in this critical sector.
Expanding frontiers in defense technology
ASU's defense-related research extends across numerous fields — such as biosafety and wireless communications to energy resilience and secure hardware design.